N
Fame Shock News

pacific grove butterflies

Author

Rachel Hernandez

Updated on July 13, 2026

Every October, thousands of fluttering monarchs arrive from the north and are protected in a special microclimate of eucalyptus trees and Monterey pines. Each October since 1939, Pacific Grove has celebrated their arrival with a welcoming Butterfly Parade, featuring our school children dressed in wings.

Are there still monarchs in Pacific Grove?

In fact, several generations of monarchs have lived and died since last year’s butterflies departed. The Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary is merely one of approximately 400 overwintering sites along the California coast.

How long will the monarch butterflies be in Pacific Grove?

(Molesting a butterfly is illegal in Pacific Grove — the fine is $1,000.) Monarchs stay in the Monarch butterfly grove from October until February, when they continue their migration south.

Are butterflies in Pacific Grove now?

After encouraging signs that more monarch butterflies were returning to Pacific Grove for overwintering than in previous years, the creatures’ massive comeback is now clear.

What is the best time to see butterflies?

Afternoons: Afternoons are typically the hottest part of the day, and therefore the time when our butterflies tend to be very active. Watching the butterflies dance all around on a sunny afternoon is sure to raise your spirits.

How long are the butterflies in Pacific Grove?

12 answers. The best time to see the Monarchs in Pacific Grove is during their overwintering season from October through February. over a year ago. The normal time for the butterflies is usually October to February.

Where are the monarch butterflies in California 2021?

Western monarch butterflies gather at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove as they migrate south to avoid cold winter temperatures, in Pismo Beach, California, on Nov. 12, 2021. Thousands cluster together in eucalyptus trees from late October through February.

When can you see butterflies in Pismo Beach?

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove season is from November to February. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a publically owned, protected overwintering site for western monarch butterflies. Monach clusters are found in over 200 coastal sites, including several sites in San Luis Obispo County.

Where are the monarch butterflies in California 2022?

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove will be open for Day use during the 2021/2022 western monarch butterfly overwintering season with COVID 19 measures in place.

When can you see monarch butterflies in California?

You can see the monarch butterflies in California from mid-October through February. They’re stopping off to mate before moving on, but they don’t just pair up. They also gather in basketball-sized clusters while they sleep in eucalyptus and pine trees along the coast.

How many monarchs are in Pacific Grove?

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. —

Around 100,000 monarch butterflies are estimated to make up the whole western population this year. With 12,364 in Pacific Grove, which is the most butterflies they’ve seen in five years.

Are monarch butterflies in Monterey now?

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) — Every fall, Monarch Butterflies make their way to Monterey County to ride out the colder months before moving on for mating season. There’s still time to see them in 2022, but only until mid-February.

Where in Bay Area can I see monarch butterflies?

Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach are all reporting high numbers of monarch butterflies during the 2021 winter season. According to the Monarch Program, these (relatively) nearby overwintering sites are usually quite active as well, but be sure to call ahead for the most recent monarch activity!

Is there a butterfly migration right now?

Monarch butterflies are currently in the midst of migrating to the central and southern California coasts (if they’re from west of the Rocky Mountains) and Mexico (if they’re coming from the East Coast), according to Travel + Leisure.

Where can I see monarch butterflies in Northern California?

Here’s Where You Can See Beautiful Monarch Butterflies This Winter
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove. Goleta Butterfly Grove. Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove. Santa Cruz Monarch Butterfly Grove. Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary.

What does it mean when a butterfly visits you?

One, butterflies are said to be the messenger of angels. When butterflies are around you, it means that the angels are approving your actions and that you are on the right path. It also means that angels are guiding you and that you need to stay faithful.

How do you attract and catch butterflies?

Rub a leaf on your hand from a plant that butterflies normally land on. If you notice that the butterflies you want to catch stay near a specific plant, take a few leaves off of it. Rub the leaves on your palms to get their scent on your hands. Then, offer your hand to the butterflies so they can climb on.